Latest news with #CarerSupportPayment
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Exact date unpaid carers can report extra £293 payment missing if money does not arrive today
Thousands of Scots carers will receive the devolved payment by June 19. Around 90,000 unpaid carers will receive an additional payment of £293.50 this week through the Carer's Allowance Supplement. The devolved benefit is only available in Scotland and started landing in bank accounts on Wednesday with automatic payments continuing throughout Thursday. However, anyone who has received a letter from Social Security Scotland and was in claim for Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on April 14, but does not see the payment in their account by June 30, can report it missing on 0800 182 2222. It's important to be aware that the payment is issued by Social Security Scotland to claimants living in Scotland only and nobody needs to claim it - eligibility is automatic. December 2025 payment The next Carer's Allowance Supplement payment will be issued in December 2025. People will qualify for this payment if they were in receipt of Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on October 13, 2025. Similar to the summer payment, letters will be issued by Social Security Scotland before the money is due to land in bank accounts. If you, or someone you know, is providing at least 35 hours of unpaid care for a friend, family member or neighbour, and not claiming Carer Support Payment, you could be missing out on nearly £5,000 this year. Am I eligible for Carer Support Payment? Carer Support Payment is money you can get if you provide care for someone and meet certain eligibility criteria. You must: be 16 or over usually live in Scotland provide care for 35 hours or more a week, this includes if you provide care all day every day not earn more than £196 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses The person you care for must already get one of these benefits: Adult Disability Payment – daily living component Child Disability Payment – middle or highest rate care component Pension Age Disability Payment Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment – daily living component Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or highest rate care component Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest rate care component Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment The type of care you provide To get Carer Support Payment, you must provide care for someone as an unpaid carer for 35 hours or more a week. It cannot be care you provide: as a professional care worker through a volunteering scheme or charity Even if you do not think of yourself as an unpaid carer, you might be eligible for Carer Support Payment. Examples of caring for someone include supporting them: with their mental health during an illness with a disability if they have an addiction Supporting someone with their mental health If you provide care for someone with a mental health condition, you might: comfort them during a panic attack stay close by so they do not feel alone support them through a crisis make sure they're safe keep them company Supporting someone with an illness or disability If you provide care for someone with an illness or disability, you might support them with: getting around getting dressed taking medicines using the shower or toilet cooking meals food shopping translating The person you provide care for You might provide care for: someone in your family a friend a neighbour You do not have to live with them or be related to them. You can only apply for Carer Support Payment for one person. If you provide care for more people, you are not entitled to extra payments. You can check if you are eligible for Carer Support Payment and find full details on the devolved benefit on the website here.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Financial checks people should do before State Pension age rises next year
Pensions, mortgages, benefits and personal finances should all be checked before turning 66. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The State Pension age is set to start rising from 66 to 67 next year, with the increase due to be completed for all men and women across the UK by 2028. The planned change to the official age of retirement has been in legislation since 2014 with a further State Pension age rise from 67 to 68 set to be implemented between 2044 and 2046. The contributory benefit provides essential financial support for nearly 13 million older people across the country, including more than one million retirees living in Scotland. This regular payment of up to £230.25 per week is available for those who have reached the UK Government's eligible retirement age and have paid at least 10 years' of National Insurance contributions. Many people approaching the official age of retirement this year (or next) and eligible to start claiming State Pension from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), or those approaching 55 and keen to start withdrawing from a personal or workplace pension, may not be aware of a handy checklist produced by the Citizens Advice network to help navigate the unchartered territory of the road to retirement. The nine-point checklist is a good place to start if you're nearing the end of your working life and not sure what financial support is available in later life to help you enjoy retirement to its fullest. Retirement checklist Citizens Advice Scotland has a full guide to retirement planning which you can read here, below is a quick overview of what you should check as you approach retirement. 1. Work out what money you'll have coming in and think about how your spending might change once you're retired - the Citizens Advice Budgeting Tool can help with drawing up a budget. 2. If you get benefits, let the benefit provider know when you will be retiring - you may have to claim a different benefit or the amount you get might change. 3. Check whether you're entitled to any new benefits - you might be able to get benefits like Carer's Allowance, Carer Support Payment, Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction. 4. Work out how much is left to pay on your mortgage (if you have one) - you might want to pay off what's left with a lump sum, but you should get financial advice first 5. Get an estimate of your State Pension - the State Pension calculator can help you with this. 6. Track down any pension providers that you've lost contact with - the P ension Tracing Service can help with this. Call them on 0800 731 0193 or use their online form to find a lost pension. 7. Get in touch with all your pension providers and let them know you're planning for retirement - they'll usually send you important information about your pension. 8. Get financial advice or help from MoneyHelper (formerly Pension Wise) - if you have a personal pension so that you know all the options available to you. You may have to pay for independent financial advice, but it could be worth it in the long run. 9. Consider leaving your pension pot to someone when you die - there will be tax implications for doing this, so you should talk to your pension provider or an independent financial adviser. here. State Pension age change It's important to be aware of the upcoming change now, especially if you have a retirement plan in place. Everyone affected by change to their State Pension age will receive a letter from the DWP well in advance. Who will be affected by the State Pension age rise: People born on April 6, 1960 will reach State Pension age of 66 on May 6, 2026 while those born on March 5, 1961 will reach State Pension age of 67 on February 5, 2028 Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. It may be different to the age you can get a workplace or personal pension. Anyone of any age can use the online tool at to check their State Pension age, which can be an essential part of planning your retirement. When you will reach State Pension age Your Pension Credit qualifying age When you will be eligible for free bus travel - this is at age 60 in Scotland Check your State Pension age online here.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Thousands of households to get free payment worth over £290 this week
The money is being paid between June 18 and 19, 2025, to those in Scotland who were in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment on a particular date Thousands of unpaid carers will receive a free payment worth of £293.50 this week. Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland. The money is being paid between June 18 and 19, 2025, to those who were in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment on April 14, 2025. If you're due to get a payment, you'll get a letter from Social Security Scotland. The payment will be made to your regular bank account automatically - you won't need to apply for it. You're advised to contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222 if you haven't received the payment by June 30, 2025. A second Carer's Allowance Supplement payment worth £293.50 will be made in December 2025. Again, you will need to be in claiming Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment and live in Scotland to receive this. Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer's Allowance for carers in Scotland. Both are worth £83.30 a week. You can find out who is eligible for Carer's Allowance below. Carer's Allowance explained Carer's Allowance is paid to those providing at least 35 hours of care a week. This can include helping someone with everyday tasks such as washing, managing bills, or taking them to doctor's appointments. The person you're caring for must also receive one of the following benefits: Personal Independence Payment - daily living component Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate Attendance Allowance Pension Age Disability Payment Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate Adult Disability Payment - daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate You must also be aged 16 or over, not in full-time education, and not studying for 21 hours a week or more. There is an earning limits, which sets how much someone can earn in income and still be eligible for Carer's Allowance. This is set at £196 a week. If your earnings go over the limit - even by just £1 - you lose your entitlement to Carer's Allowance. You don't have to be related to the person you're caring for, and if more than one person cares for the same person, only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance. You should keep in mind that claiming Carer's Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you're looking after, as well as your own.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Extra £293 payment for carers due to land in bank accounts before this weekend
The money will be issued to around 90,000 unpaid carers over a two-day period. Around 90,000 unpaid carers are set to receive an additional payment of £293.50 before this weekend. Carer's Allowance Supplement is only available north of the border and will be issued over Wednesday and Thursday this week - June 18 and 19. The payment is issued by S ocial Security Scotland to people who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on a specific date. Only carers in Scotland are eligible for the payment if they received Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on April 14, 2025. It's important to be aware that the £293.50 Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid separately from any benefit payment from Social Security Scotland or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Carers eligible for the payment should receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made, although this may arrive after the money has landed in accounts. The important thing to be aware of is that nobody needs to apply for the extra money as it is paid automatically to everyone who is eligible. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville recently said: 'This benefit was the first that we introduced when we formed Social Security Scotland back in 2018. It's an additional payment to recognise the important contribution of unpaid carers in Scotland. A payment not made anywhere else in the UK. 'It's another example of how we've built a radically different social security system in Scotland, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.' Claire Cairns, Director at The Coalition of Carers in Scotland added: 'At a time when many carers are struggling to pay the bills, while providing essential support to loved ones, this payment is a vital acknowledgment of their role and a much-needed financial boost that helps ease some of the pressure they face every day.' If a carer is eligible for Carer's Allowance Supplement but has not received a letter or payment by June 30, 2025, they should contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. December 2025 payment The next Carer's Allowance Supplement payment will be issued in December 2025. People will qualify for this payment if they were in receipt of Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on October 13, 2025. Similar to the summer payment, letters will be issued by Social Security Scotland before the money is due to land in bank accounts. If you, or someone you know, is providing at least 35 hours of unpaid care for a friend, family member or neighbour, and not claiming Carer Support Payment, you could be missing out on nearly £5,000 this year. Am I eligible for Carer Support Payment? Carer Support Payment is money you can get if you provide care for someone and meet certain eligibility criteria. be 16 or over usually live in Scotland provide care for 35 hours or more a week, this includes if you provide care all day every day not earn more than £196 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses The person you care for must already get one of these benefits: Adult Disability Payment – daily living component Child Disability Payment – middle or highest rate care component Pension Age Disability Payment Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment – daily living component Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or highest rate care component Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest rate care component Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment The type of care you provide To get Carer Support Payment, you must provide care for someone as an unpaid carer for 35 hours or more a week. It cannot be care you provide: as a professional care worker through a volunteering scheme or charity Even if you do not think of yourself as an unpaid carer, you might be eligible for Carer Support Payment. Examples of caring for someone include supporting them: with their mental health during an illness with a disability if they have an addiction Supporting someone with their mental health If you provide care for someone with a mental health condition, you might: comfort them during a panic attack stay close by so they do not feel alone support them through a crisis make sure they're safe keep them company Supporting someone with an illness or disability If you provide care for someone with an illness or disability, you might support them with: getting around getting dressed taking medicines using the shower or toilet cooking meals food shopping translating The person you provide care for You might provide care for: someone in your family a friend a neighbour You do not have to live with them or be related to them. You can only apply for Carer Support Payment for one person. If you provide care for more people, you are not entitled to extra payments. You can check if you are eligible for Carer Support Payment and find full details on the devolved benefit on the website here.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Tens of thousands on benefits to receive free payment worth over £290 this summer
Struggling carers can get a one-off payment of £293.50 next week - see how to get it CASH BOOST Tens of thousands on benefits to receive free payment worth over £290 this summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TENS of thousands of carers will get a benefit cash boost of £293.50 next week. Some 90,000 will get the one-off extra payment between 18 and 19 June, but it's only available to those claiming either Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance in Scotland. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Person takes coins out of the purse Credit: Getty The Scottish Government hands out these extra payments, called Carer's Support Allowance, to unpaid carers twice a year. It gives extra financial support to people who are taking care of someone who is unwell or vulnerable. Carer's Allowance has replaced Carer Support Payment. Both are worth £83.30 a week, and you normally get paid every four weeks. The extra money is automatically paid into the same bank account as the one you normally get your benefit paid into. You should be sent a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made. If you haven't got a letter, or haven't been paid, by 30 June, call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. The next Carer's Allowance Supplement will be paid in December. You are eligible for the help if you were claiming either one of the two benefits on 14 April, 2025. To be eligible for Carer Support Payment, you must: Be 16 or over Usually live in Scotland Provide care for 35 hours or more a week for someone who gets certain disability benefits Not earn more than £196 a week or £10,912 per year What if I don't live in Scotland? You can still claim Carer's Allowance if you don't live in Scotland - you just won't get the Carer Support Payment element. The benefit is paid to those caring for someone else (who is on benefits) for at least 35 hours a week. You don't have to be related to the person you care for, or live with them, to be eligible. If you claim Carer's Allowance you also receive National Insurance credits, which contribute to your NI record. This is a really important, as your NI record is used by the government to calculate how much state pension you can get. You need 35 full years of NI contributions to get the maximum amount, which is £230.25 a week. What if I'm not a carer? If you're not a carer but are struggling, check if you qualify for any benefits. You can use a benefits calculator to help check you are not missing out on money you are entitled to. Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. Your local council may have a Household Support Fund scheme for low income households. The government has supplied a £742million pool of cash to councils in England to dish out to struggling families. Depending on the help that your council is offering, you could get free cash and even supermarket vouchers. If you're struggling with your energy bills, see if there are any grants to help you clear any arrears. British Gas and Octopus Energy offer financial assistance to customers in difficulty, with some schemes wiping as much as £2,000 off unpaid energy debts — depending on your situation.
